Update on Cara

Cara had an ultrasound of her heart yesterday to see how things are functioning. We give thanks to God for an overall very good report. The doctor said it is really good to see that the branches extending from the pulmonary artery to her lungs, which were once a concern for constriction, are now growing well. The patch between the two ventricles looks good. The conduit installed during surgery is holding well with no obstructions, although the valve is leaking quite a bit still. This is not a serious concern now, but may influence when they decide to replace the conduit. They can't say when the next surgery will be, but for sure sometime before age 8 as she will have out grown her conduit. We left the hospital with a trail of fruit loops and a very tipsy daughter as the anesthetics took the rest of the day to wear off :) We don't have to go back to the hospital again till next year! 

Initially we were told that her condition may likely cause her to be a little less active and tire out more quickly. Everyone who knows Cara can see that she is a wild ball of energy that doesn't slow down. Such a blessing to see.

Oh yeah...on August 16th, Cara became the older sister of our new Son, Owen John Verbinnen. God heard our prayers and all was well with Owen and Julianne.

God has also heard our prayers regarding Julianne's diabetes. Her case so far is apparently unusual. Her blood sugar levels are significantly less volatile than a typical Type 1 diabetic. This makes blood sugar control much easier. God is good. 

Psalm 34:1 "I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips"

Cara's First Birthday!

May 25, 2012

Everything is going well :) No news to report, but here's a picture!

February 17, 2012

We went yesterday for Cara's sedated echo cardiogram. Basically, they put her under so they could take a thorough look at her heart. The cardiologist was happy with the results, although the conduit that was installed has a fair amount of leaking. This means it may have to be replaced earlier than expected, possibly in the next couple years. Thankfully the hole between the two ventricles that was spotted earlier appears to have closed up. They also wanted to get a close look at the arteries leading from the heart to the lungs, which are still narrow, but are not a problem for now.

The past couple months have been such a blessing. She has become a very happy and content baby whose smiles steal our hearts daily. She sleeps very well and is growing healthily. Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers. God has given us so much to be thankful for.

"Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together" Psalm 34:3

February 7, 2012

Quick Update: Our update is just that Cara is doing really well! She is happy and healthy and February is so far the first month we’ve had with only 1 appointment! She weighs about 12lbs now, and lately loves playing in her exersaucer. She (usually) sleeps through the night and enjoys napping during the day too. (yay!) We’re waiting for a sedated echocardiogram to be scheduled so they can put her out and take a really thorough look at how her heart is functioning. Aside from that we have no concerns! God is good!

December 5, 2011

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say again, rejoice!” While this verse applies to both good times and difficult times, it is such a blessing to say we are rejoicing with positive news. Last week Friday we took out Cara’s NG feeding tube and she is now 100% on a bottle! This was so encouraging to us and another obvious answer to the prayers offered for this. Cara will, however, remain on thickened milk as an appointment last week revealed that there is still no movement of her left vocal chord. It could be damaged permanently or still heal, but in either case she will be able to eat normally one day. We are receiving more smiles these days and I’m sure as many parents can attest to, that puts big smiles on our faces. J

Some time in the near future Cara will have to go in for a sedated echocardiogram. This will determine whether or not she will have to go to Sick Kids for the procedure to enlarge the vessels going to her lungs. Your prayers, as always, are appreciated.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us; that we should be called children of God! 1John 3:1a

November 20, 2011

We can continue to thank God for answering prayers for Cara. The good news is that she has passed her birth weight! She was born 8lbs12oz and she now weighs about 9lbs5oz. Her reflux issues have not really been a struggle lately and she is doing really well on the bottle! She can now take a whole feed by bottle, which is a very clear answer to our prayers, and it seems the only thing holding her back from doing this for every feed is the occurrence of gas.

After another echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) the cardiologist tells us that it looks pretty good, though still with a few minor leaks. There is some constriction where the pulmonary artery branches to her right lung. If this vessel does not expand by mid December, three months after surgery, she will likely be sent to Sick Kids to have it expanded by catheterization, a process where her artery is expanded by a small balloon. The doctors are happy that she isn’t showing any signs of oxygen deprivation. Again, we commit Cara’s healing to the hands of God, who has already worked great things in her life.

With glad hearts we announce that Cara will be baptized next Sunday, November 27^th. In celebration of God’s faithfulness in bringing us to this day we invite you come.  The worship service begins at 9:30am at Zion URC in Sheffield. We would love to see you in person and thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to stay afterward for coffee and lunch following.